Description
A cheerful demeanor seems to envelop this finely groomed man. His jet black
hair has a few streaks of gray in it, and is neatly combed back, held in
place with some oily substance. He has a full, dark goatee which is neatly
trimmed, showing off his full lips and pearly white teeth. His generous,
almond-shaped brown eyes and plucked eyebrows give him the look of a diplomat
of sorts. His fair, light skin is indicative of one who has spent a good
amount of time indoors, and his slender build and well-manicured fingernails
mark him as one unaccustomed to most of the rigors of hand to hand combat.
Role
Filling the council
Added Sun Aug 20 09:11:16 2006 at level 51:
Soon, very soon, the Imperial Council will be full for the first time in ages. My
heart swells with pride at the strength the Empire has been showing of late. And
who do we have to thank for that? Well, I'd like to think I, the Emperor, have
played a pivotal role in this development.
While a full council will be fearsome to our foes, it will also place some
significant power in their hands. I cannot allow this power to get out of hand.
They must not become a threat to me. Fortunately, creative as always, I have a
lovely little idea to keep them from forming a united front against me! I'll have
them at each other's throats, constantly watching their backs. The first step was
my appointment of the Shadow Lord. I intentionally chose Valryn since the War
Master already dislikes him and the future High Priest, Mmumma, has gone so far
as to request me to make him anathema for robbing another citizen.
The tricky part will be turning Morior, Mmumma and Khargurln against each other,
while they maintain trust and undying loyalty towards me. While I don't know
exactly how I'll do that, I believe a few bits of misinformation passed through
various other imperials may prove useful for this.
Emperor at last!
Added Fri Aug 18 12:54:31 2006 at level 51:
At long last, the final brick has been layed. I have been named Emperor: To rule
over Thera with a cold, iron fist. To lay waste to those who would oppose us. To
revel in all the glory the Empire holds. To always keep an eye on the back of my
head. To listen for any hints of subterfuge. To sniff out signs of betrayal. To
feel out any new enemies envious of my position. To taste my... hmm, taste.
Speaking of taste, perhaps I should appoint an official imperial food taster. One
can never be too careful in a position of power.
In order to remedy that, I've come up with a wonderfully devious little plan that
always entertains me when I think about it. In my "State of the Empire" missive,
I already mentioned that there would be a small contingent of subjects within the
Empire whose task will be to find any traitors or spies by reporting to me any
conspiracies. None of them will know who another member is. They are also to
create false conspiracies and try to lure others into joining them. What the
citizens do not know is that in time, every single citizen and oath will be
assigned to this contingent! Any true conspiracy will be drowned by a sea of faux
conspiracies, while I will be constantly kept up to date on who distrusts who. I
fully expect certain people to try to take advantage of this, and I will be
delighted to hear who they want to frame for being involved in a conspiracy.
Oh, this should be fun!
Another Step Forward
Added Thu Jul 27 20:38:40 2006 at level 51:
Well now! All the pieces are falling into place, seemingly of their own accord.
How much of a hand my amused observer has played in this, I do not know.
Nevertheless, I have surpassed the ex-War Master, Tukrun and am in the forefront
for Emperor. I can almost feel the cold, hard throne beneath my buttox. Which
reminds me, by the way, of what should be one of my first orders of business. A
cushion or two for the throne!
Those thoughts aside, I've arranged a deal with Kharghurln, who seems to be
content as Dread Lady. She would vote for me if I arranged her sect to be second
in donations, only behind the Blade sect. While she offered the laughable and
unenforceable suggestions that the gold from any foes killed in Imperial lands
and Balator be given to a Black, I had a more, hmm, reasonable suggestion. Since
the Shadow sect is currently second in donations, all that I'll need to do is be
stricter with that sect. A few deserving demotions should put the Shadow sect
behind the Black sect. And if I decide not to hold up my end of the deal, are
there really any repercussions? But, for the sake of a supportive council, I
believe I shall at least make the appearance of keeping my end of the bargain.
That's assuming it isn't a ruse on her part to become Empress again. Just in case,
I believe I'll end up voting for Remerinac, who seems to be easily manipulated.
Even if I am betrayed by the Dread Lady, she will not become Empress again.
My, do I sound vindictive, even to myself! This constant warring and politicing
does take its toll.
A Chaotic Plan
Added Wed Jul 26 08:59:07 2006 at level 51:
Oh, how I despise the Fortress. A bunch of headless chickens who run about and
occassionally get lucky and peck at the right place and the right time. And yet
my fellow Blades continually die to them. It almost makes me weep at the
hopelessness that surrounds me, be it the Blades or the Fortress. Ah, but then
I ask me, 'Why weep? As horrid as this sounds, can't you use this to your
advantage?' Why, yes. Yes, I could. And I think I shall do so!
I should take Tukrun's place. Or perhaps there is a way I could surpass his
rank. If I help put another sect leader into the throne, make some sort of
deal with them that they would demote Tukrun and promote me, that may be
sufficient. Or perhaps it is best to stick with Tukrun and put him a puppet on
the throne. He would be easily guided, though he would likely bring shame to
the Empire. So many possibilities. How do I decide? Why don't you just wait
a little longer, then improvise as you do so well? You're right. I must learn
a tiny bit of patience in some matters, and I am quite the improvisationalist.
But there is another factor to be considered. An odd, but likely powerful being
has been communicating with me. It seems to enjoy it when I weave between the
masses that oppose that me, baffling them with a few tunes and occassionally
striking one down. Or perhaps it feeds off the chaos. Either way, perhaps a
mutually beneficial arrangement could be made. Perhaps it could aid me in some
underhanded dealings to help me reach the Throne. Ah, but then you ask, "you,
an Imperial Blade would work with and feed such a chaotic being?" To that I
have a long response:
The Empire has been at war for its entire existance. And while the Empire
generally attempts to wage a planned, organized war, there is but one truth
to war. Once on the field of battle, it is utter chaos. Certainly, I can plan
my actions. I can tell my allies what to do or what not to do. But you cannot
plan everything. The unexpected almost always occurs, and these days it is rare
when a battle is fought on only two fronts. There is always some opportunistic
third party, be it the stealthy and tiresomely patient Outlanders, certain
deluded villagers who attack Blades when they are already outnumbered and
fighting magi, or the ever hungry Scions, looking for another bloodfest.
Thus, while the Empire strives for civilization, in the meantime there will
be much war. And with that war there is, of course, chaos. So yes, I will work
with this being. It is always good to have a powerful ally on one's side, even
if he can't be trusted. Just don't put any trust in him and keep an eye over
your shoulder. But such is my nature. I know how people work, and none deserve
my trust.
Thoughts and plans
Added Fri Jul 21 21:00:11 2006 at level 47:
My oh my, it IS tiring sometimes being so overwhelmingly gracious to the War
Master. There was a time, a short one, admittedly, when Tukrun had my deepest
respect and admiration. However, after his constant stalling and precocious
concerns about retrieving the codex when we were admittedly outnumbered, well,
it irks me. While proper timing is certainly something to be taken into account,
waiting until the defenders of the fortress die of old age is quite another.
Wouldn't you agree? Of course I would.
Perhaps I should attempt to usurp the War Master. After all, "what do you strive
to be?" The War Master, of course. For a start. Or perhaps I will try to elevate
him to the throne. He does seem to be easily manipulated, now that I am deeply
treasured by him. Soon enough I suspect that he won't be able to take a leak
without me holding his hand. Oh, such a horrid thought. I'm shocked that you
put that down on paper, you devilish, charming man. As I was saying, were he
to ascend to the throne, being the voice in his ear would have its perks. And
I would be free of many of the burdens of Emperorship.
But these are mere conjectures. I will see how everything plays out for the
time being.
A small update
Added Thu Jul 20 09:01:36 2006 at level 36:
Well, there goes my little charade of pretending to be a Herald. Hmph. It was
useful while it lasted. Seems word has spread to just about everyone that I'm
oathed to the Empire. No matter. I'm certain that I will be promoted soon
enough. My talents are much needed within the Empire.
Besides, I've been ingratiating myself rather well with the War Master. Going
above and beyond the call of duty, as it were. The pauper even claimed he would
promote me, but did not have enough donations do so at the time. No matter. It's
evident that I'm quickly gaining his trust. If all goes well, I'll be the trusted
voice in his ear soon enough. From there, the sky's the limit. Or perhaps the
throne is the limit.
Dear Self: Part I
Added Wed Jul 19 09:24:46 2006 at level 32:
You have beautiful teeth and a dazzling smile. And by you, I do mean me, of
course. But I already know that, don't you? Yes, you always were a quick one,
me. But enough with the flattery. Just know that whenever you or I feel a
little morose, I can always read this little journal of mine and bring a
delicious smile to your face.
Well, it's been a fruitful year, it has! I do believe I've convinced several
people that I'm actually a Herald of the Inn of the Eternal Star. What fun!
But that's merely a footnote in what will be the life of a man to be
remembered, or perhaps quickly forgotten. I haven't quite decided if I'd
prefer to be the front man or the man behind the curtain pulling the strings,
so to speak.
"Front man for what?", I ask. Well, I'll tell me. It is my intention to join
the Empire for my own very secretive reasons. But since you are me, I'll
share those reasons. But please, keep it between us. Not that it's some
sinister conspiracy. At least, not yet. No, for now it is for the simple
desire for gratification.
"But how is being a nameless plebe in an army gratifying to you?" I might
ask myself. And if I did ask myself that question, I'd probably just wink
and smile. Unless I knew I could trust me. Then I might be candid with myself
and assure me that a plebe is simply a stepping stone on a staircase, one
which will be climbed with much haste. At the top of said staircase is a
door. And that, my trusted friend, that is the door to opportunity. What can
I achieve as a nameless man conning a few naive souls for my entertainment
and monetary gain? Well, a lot, I assure me. But what can I gain as one who
has the ear to a leader of armies? Hmm, I'd venture to say, "a lot more".
Ah, I hear footsteps. I'll continue my little conversation with myself
another time.